Selecting the Right Temporary Structure for Your Next Event

When planning an event, choosing the right temporary event structure can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re starting with a blank canvas.  With so many options available and factors to consider, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. But don’t worry!  In this article, we’ll compare three key event structure options – Stretch Tents, Truss Structures, and Marquees – highlighting their differences to help you determine the best fit for your event.

By understanding the strengths, limitations, and possibilities of different structures, you can select the one that suits your requirements perfectly.  At WH Silverbacks, we’ve managed events ranging from intimate gatherings to global-scale sporting spectacles and can guide you through the process to get the very best outcomes for your next event.

Stretch tents are perfect for creating visually striking spaces while adapting seamlessly to their surroundings.  Unlike rigid square or rectangular tents, stretch tents have organic, flowing lines that can mould to the landscape.  They’re ideal for creative event designs or when you want a temporary event structure that enhances the natural beauty of its location as they are dynamic and versatile.

• Shape and Style: Poles of varying heights allow for peaks, dips, and low sides, enabling you to customise the tent’s aesthetic to suit any event. Low sides can create cozy corners or discreetly conceal “back of house” areas.
• Flexible Design: The dynamic lines and adaptable shapes work seamlessly with the surroundings, offering a more organic feel compared to rigid square structures.
• Customisable Heights: Adjust pole placement to create varying heights and unique layouts, adding depth and character to your event space.
• Custom Branding: Stretch tents can feature printed roof linings – either underneath, on top, or both – to showcase your brand or event artwork. Once printed, these can often be reused (especially if you look after them and maintain them well each time they come down.) It’s worth noting that stretch tents are also available in a wide range of custom colours, not just standard Chino.
• Decor Opportunities: Ropes allow for several options of creative decoration such as festoon lighting, fairy lights, or faux foliage to create a beautiful, and bespoke, atmosphere.

While Stretch Tents are a firm favourite of ours (and many events including Wimbledon Qualifying and Chelsea Flower Show – to name a few) there are a few things to bear in mind including…

• Space Requirements: The ropes and anchoring points mean the tent’s footprint will extend beyond its covered area, which may limit where you place the stretch tent.
• Limited Hanging Points: If you plan to hang significant decor or lighting inside, stretch tents may not offer as much support as other temporary event structures.

If you’re looking for a temporary structure with more rigidity but still want creative design potential, truss structures might be the way to go. Trusses provide a solid, modular framework that works well with stretch canopies (for the roof) or can stand alone for a more traditional tent feel.  They’re a great solution that joins stability with flexibility.

• Maximise Usable Space: Unlike stretch tents, truss structures stay within their set footprint.  There are no rope lines to consider which means truss structures can often be better for tight spaces or urban locations
• Height Options: Unlike other structures, truss structures are set at one uniform height.  For example, you can adjust leg heights to create unique atmospheres i.e. low for intimate shade or cosy areas during inclement weather or high to frame DJ booths, stages, or container-style bars.
• Hanging Points: Trusses provide robust internal frameworks for lighting, staging, and decorations. This opens up creative opportunities not possible with stretch tents alone as options to hang various elements for internal set dressing.
• A Truly Customised Space, and Finish: One great thing about Truss Structures is the ability to customise them.  There are lots of options such as bespoke PVC walls, window walls, or solid walls, and specially tailored graphics.  You can change the structure’s appearance with branded facias or creatively designed leg boxes and covers that mask the truss legs. Options like printed truss socks can incorporate almost any design, ensuring a cohesive and branded environment. For a premium touch, consider elegant glass handrails that complement the overall look and feeling making it something truly premium.
• Scalable, Flexible Designs: Truss systems can be linked together to create larger, more complex setups, such as VIP zones, multi-purpose event spaces, or indoor-outdoor transitions. They offer the flexibility to complement stretch canopies and can be expanded and linked together meaning you can create various sizes and layout. 

Within a single truss structure there really are so many options.  They can sit on a solid floor, and carpet and glass handrails can also be added to zone alternative areas within one main structure.  This can all be easily visualised in CAD before finalising exact details and measurements.

As with any structure there are pros and cons.  Key considerations for truss structures include…

• Cost:  While very effective, truss structures are an investment, especially when factoring in transport, labour, and materials, which can be more expensive than when using a more basic structure.
• Design Complexity: They may require more precise pre-planning, especially if paired with lighting rigs, stretch canopies, or additional fabrics to change the event’s interior feel when wires will need to be run for internal fabric dressing.

Marquees have long been a staple in the event world for their recognisable shape and large open-plan interiors. While they may lack the flair of stretch tents or truss systems, and be ‘very white’ they’re dependable, practical, and have a clear purpose.  Here’s why…

• Simple Sizing: As they are generally built in 3m or 5m increments, with a marquee it’s easy to plan exactly the layout and footprint you have available, and may need.
• Walls & Flooring: There are various wall choices from PVC, glass or solid walls (depending on the size of marquee you opt for.)  Floors can be standard, premium, or even bare, with no floor at all. 
• Achieve a High-End Finish:  There are various options to transform any marquee into a luxurious space with just a few stylish upgrades. Choose a marquee with a curved roof and add custom fitted fabric linings for a chic and contemporary look. Inside, you can personalise the space with wall panels, perfect for custom graphics or logos. If you’re looking to impress, consider glass or solid walls for that extra touch of class. These simple changes can take a marquee from simple to stunning, setting the stage for classy event.
• Branding:  PVC walls, roofs, and internal segments can easily be branded, making marquees a great option for corporate events or exhibitions as well as hospitality experience areas.

Weatherproof: Marquees are highly resilient to the elements with full enclosure options, ensuring guests stay dry and warm regardless of the weather.

As always, there are considerations and limitations to consider, here are the key ones to think about when it comes to marquees…

• Cost: Compared to stretch tents, labour, transport, and equipment, (i.e. plant), that is required as part of the install, can mean a higher overall cost.
• Access: In certain locations with intricate structures or restricted access points (like golf courses or historic sites) setting up marquees might be challenging due to limitations faced during the construction phase.  Depending on where you plan to hold your event, it might be necessary to install trackway systems to safeguard the ground and make it easier for trucks and forklifts to access the site for offloading materials and equipment.

The best starting point for choosing your structure is to evaluate your event’s goals, audience, and location. Here are some questions to guide your decision:

• Purpose: Is this a casual, vibrant event or something formal and functional?
• Space: Are there physical limitations to the site? Consider footprints, height restrictions, or access challenges.
• Branding: How do you want the structure itself to be part of the visual identity of your event?
• Budget: How much are you able to invest in the structure, including setup and transport?

To get the most out of your planning process, you might even conduct a comparison exercise by listing the pros and cons of each structure type within your specific context.

At WH Silverbacks, we treat every project as an opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind space.  Our team excels at designing, delivering, and building extraordinary temporary structures that align with your vision, your space, and your event goals. Whether it’s a stretch tent blending into a natural landscape, a truss structure supporting dynamic internal decor, or a high end marquee optimised for functionality, we bring creativity and expertise to every build.  Every temporary event structure we design and install will be of the best quality, and you’ll get an excellent personal service to match.

Get in touch with one of our experts.  We’d be delighted to talk through the best options for you and see what can be done.  We’ll often start with a site survey so you know exactly what’s viable and what will work best.

• Tel: 01202 096957 
• Email: info@whsilverbacks.co.uk